Latest NOT The Footy Show Podcasts

Thursday, 25 August 2011

The best NRL Preview on the net is back online with all the info you need to make an 'informed decision' in your Fantasy and Tipping Competitions.Make sure you bookmarkwww.wdnicolson.comand compare your picks to the Podcast Panel's Tips every week. Download the Podcast and check back on Friday for the Latest Mail as it breaks.

NOT The Footy Show Episode 79
- Round 25 Preview Released August 25, 2011 -

Note: The order in which Special Fried Rice (the game we guarantee that team will win) is chosen rotates - this week Matt had 1st choice, Dave 2nd, Nic 3rd and Waz 4th. So it isn't as easy as it sounds to tip correctly each week.

Welcome to Season 2011... after an off-season that often feels longer (or shorter - depends if you like cricket or not) than it is - the footy is back. Here on www.wdnicolson.com we've got all the Tuesday Team News, Wednesday or Thursday Game Previews and Friday Late Mail (sourced from SMH and beyond) that will keep your Tipping and Fantasy habit well fed. This preview integrates our NRL Injured List - which if you haven't bookmarked by now - I suggest you do so.

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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7:45pm (Local) 26 August @ Brookvale Oval, Brookvale.

Coming In...

2nd SEA EAGLES TEAM RECORD 17-5 for 38 Points, +202.

1st STORM TEAM RECORD 19-3 for 42 Points, +259.

Head to Head Last 10...

SEA EAGLES 4 STORM 6 - Melbourne won 18-6 in Round 1 but Manly had won both games in 2010 including a Round 22 game at Brookvale.

[Team Changes - Manly have made just one addition to their bench with utility Jamie Buhrer added to the same four man bench listed against the Bulldogs. The Sea Eagles are only missing Jason King (season) and William Hopoate (Finals) from their best 17. They are in a very good position. ]

[Team Changes - The Storm are likely to resist bringing Cooper Cronk back early from an ankle injury and Rory Kostjasyn will again partner Gareth Widdop in the halves. Sika Manu is a big doubt with a groin strain and Troy Thompson could come into the squad to cover for him. Matt Duffie also returned from injury last week against the Dragons. Maurice Blair is not named, but might be a chance. Sisa Waqa was named on the bench last week but didn't play and he could indeed start or miss out entirely.]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.Last Word: Melbourne will still win the Minor Premiership, but Manly can make a big statement here by beating Melbourne on Friday. No Cooper Cronk (or will he play?) gives Manly every opportunity to make that statement.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- There is speculation that Cooper Cronk and Maurice Blair will travel with the Storm to Sydney on Thursday and could indeed play. Sisa Waqa and Beau Champion are in the most danger of missing out if they injured pair play. Update: Cronk and Maurice Blair didn't travel on Thursday with the team but could both be late inclusions, there has been no new word on Sika Manu's groin injury but don't be shocked if he doesn't play. Manly will decide between Tim Robinson and Jamie Buhrer for the final bench spot. Triple M reported at 6pm that Cooper Cronk will not play.

The NRL Tweet's Tip...

SEA EAGLES To Win By 4 Points.

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FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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7:45pm (Local) 26 August @ Parramatta Stadium, Parramatta.

Coming In...

16th EELS TEAM RECORD 5-16-1 for 15 Points, -172.

12th ROOSTERS TEAM RECORD 8-14 for 20 Points, -113.

Head to Head Last 10...

EELS 5 ROOSTERS 5 - The Roosters won both 2010 games comfortably - 48-12 in Round 21 and 24-6 in Round 4. The Roosters have also won 3 of the last 4.

[Team Changes - The Eels have kept the same 17 (again) that was beaten 31-12 by the Tigers on Sunday. There could still be a chance given to a youngster in the last two weeks but the Eels are in a position where they have to win at least one game to avoid the spoon - so don't expect it. ]

[Team Changes - The Roosters won't have Joseph Leilua (Hammy) or Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Suspension for RD25) as they seek 3 straight wins, with Justin Carney and Lama Tasi taking their places. Tinirau Arona joins the bench alongside the sneaky recall of Frank-Paul Nu'uausala from a club suspension.]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.Last Word: Parramatta might have just one win since Round 13, but they have played better football than that record suggests. The Roosters might have won 2 in a row but if the Eels shape up - their style could suffocate the Roosters.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The Eels could be moving Jarryd Hayne back to fullback for this clash, with Luke Burt playing a roving role at five-eighth. There could be other changes for the Eels but check back in around 7pm. The Roosters should be 1-17, with Shaun Kenny-Dowall's hamstring coming up sweet at training.

The NRL Tweet's Tip...

EELS To Win By 7 Points.

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SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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5:35pm (Local) 27 August @ ANZ Stadium, Sydney.

Coming In...

10th BULLDOGS TEAM RECORD 10-12 for 24 Points, -64.

8th KNIGHTS TEAM RECORD 11-11 for 26 Points, +29.

Head to Head Last 10...

BULLDOGS 3 KNIGHTS 7 - Newcastle have had the hot hand against the Bulldogs of late - winning both games in 2010 and 4 of the last 5 since 2008. The Dogs however won their last Finals game in 2009.

[Team Changes - The Bulldogs lost Dene Halatau to a knee injury at training before their loss to Manly and David Stagg holds his spot replacing him at lock. Joel Romelo and Josh Reynolds will alternate at hooker and five-eighth, then one will make way for Kris Keating's injection from the bench. Mickey Paea and Gary Warburton remain on the bench. ]

[Team Changes - The Knights lost Junior Sa'u to an ankle injury early against the Broncos and Keith Lulia is his replacement. Jarrod Mullen is also in doubt with a shoulder injury with Tyrone Roberts on standby. Zane Tetevano comes back into the 17 in the second row and Marvin Karawana and Mark Taufua are new faces on the bench. Matt Hilder has not been named due to a serious head gash but could play. ]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.Last Word: Canterbury could still feature in September if they beat the Knights and the Bunnies lose... ok they are a million to one unless Souths and Newcastle draw in Round 26. That said - Ben Barba will inspire the Dogs to a win here over a Newcastle side that is in all sorts right now as the pressure on them intensifies.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The Knights still don't know if Jarrod Mullen (Shoulder) will play. Tyrone Roberts or Peter Mata'utia would come into the squad if Mullen is out. Kurt Gidley could move to halfback as a result. Adam MacDougall's knee isn't 100% but he should play. Aiden Tolman (soreness) and Andrew Ryan (virus) are expected to play, while Greg Eastwood is out for the rest of the season after having wrist surgery on Wednesday. Trent Hodkinson is expected to play despite a nasty cork in his shin/calf.

[Team Changes - Canberra have named the same 17 that lost a truly bottom of the table clash with the Titans although injury doubts surround Mick Picker (Shoulder), Alan Tongue (Shoulder) and Danny Galea (Eye). Josh Dugan needs season ending surgery but might be able to squeeze out one more game - that will either be this or next week. Canberra have suggested they cannot pick anyone else more than a few times in recent weeks. ]

[Team Changes - The Panthers lost Michael Jennings to a shoulder injury he carried into the Warriors game and he is out - possibly for the rest of the season. Lachlan Coote however returns at fullback and young Blake Austin might get a chance at an NRL debut off the bench. Nafe Seluini starts for Kevin Kingston again - with Kingston back on the bench. Sam McKendry starts for Tim Grant at prop. ]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.

Last Word: Canberra have tried very little attacking footy this year and that's something the Panthers have bought into since Steve Georgallis took over. Pick Penrith even in Canberra, as at least they'll play some footy.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The Raiders may make Josh Dugan a late inclusion after he ran at training yesterday but they believe his groin and ankle have just one game left in them before he has to shut it down for surgery. Penrith are expected to give Blake Austin his first grade debut from the bench, and Lachlan Coote's ankle has been given the green light. Luke Lewis could be a late inclusion for this match as he tries to prove his fitness for the Four Nations Tour.

The NRL Tweet's Tip...

PANTHERS To Win By 2 Points.

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SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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7:35pm (Local) 27 August @ Dairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville.

Coming In...

5th COWBOYS TEAM RECORD 13-9 for 30 Points, +56.

13th SHARKS TEAM RECORD 7-15 for 18 Points, -113.

Head to Head Last 10...

COWBOYS 5 SHARKS 5 - North Queensland beat Cronulla 30-12 at Toyota in Round 7 and have won 3 of the last 4.

[Team Changes - The Cowboys have made just one addition to their squad with Scott Bolton joining the bench that features young giant Jason Taumalolo who impressed against the Bunnies. Ashton Sims could make way.]

[Team Changes - The Sharks dropped Nathan Gardner, Nathan Stapleton, Ben Pomeroy and Chad Townsend this week, recalling Isaac Gordon, Dean Collis, Stewart Mills and Albert Kelly in their place. John Mannah also gets another chance on the bench for Tyson Frizell who goes back to Toyota Cup. Paul Gallen will try to play out the last two games of the season despite a torn calf. ]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.

Last Word: The Cowboys might have blown their Top 4 spot with their loss to the Bunnies, as even with a win here they could be leap-frogged by the Tigers. Cronulla are an ordinary team, pick the Cowboys.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The Sharks continue to give Paul Gallen every chance to play, with the lock not training all week due to shoulder and calf problems. Matthew Wright is 18th man. North Queensland will make a decision on their bench on Saturday with Jason Taumalolo, Ashton Sims and Scott Bolton fighting for two spots, while Brent Tate (corked thigh) should play.

The NRL Tweet's Tip...

COWBOYS To Win By 16 Points.

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SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL

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2:05pm (Local) 28 August @ WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

Coming In...

7th DRAGONS TEAM RECORD 12-9-1 for 29 Points, +118.

4th WARRIORS TEAM RECORD 13-9 for 30 Points, +103.

Head to Head Last 10...

DRAGONS 9 WARRIORS 1 - St.George-Illawarra might be struggling right now but they own the Warriors - winning the last 5 games including a 25-12 result in Auckland in Round 3.

[Team Changes - The Dragons get Mark Gasnier and Adam Cuthbertson back from injury and Brett Morris is back from personal leave. Nathan Fien is listed on a bench that also has Mitch Rein and Kyle Stanley so his spot might be in danger. Bronx Goodwin did his knee again and is done for 2011. ]

[Team Changes - The Warriors have lost winger Manu Vatuvei to a wrist injury that could keep him out of the last two regular season games. Lewis Brown is once again added to the bench and Krisnan Inu is the man picked to replace Vatuvei on the wing. Micheal Luck's shoulder is an issue but he has been named.]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.Last Word: If St.George-Illawarra can't win this then they might be stuck in 7th spot by the end of the weekend - as they could be 3 points behind 6th. The Warriors differential bonus means a win here is huge for their Home Final campaign.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The Dragons will make the final decision on their bench on Sunday - despite being named 18th man, expect Nathan Fien to play as cover for Jamie Soward's back. Beau Scott is in minor doubt with a hamstring strain, while Adam Cuthbertson should return on the bench. The Warriors will likely make Lewis Brown 18th man after he was listed in the NSW Cup at centre, with Micheal Luck's shoulder responding well to treatment.

The NRL Tweet's Tip...

DRAGONS To Win By 2 Points.

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SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOOTBALL

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3:05pm (Local) 28 August @ Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Coming In...

3rd BRONCOS TEAM RECORD 16-6 for 36 Points, +119.

9th RABBITOHS TEAM RECORD 11-11 for 26 Points, -3.

Head to Head Last 10...

BRONCOS 6 RABBITOHS 3 DRAW 1 - South Sydney won 16-12 in a wet and wild encounter in Perth in Round 16 but were smashed 50-22 against an understrength Broncos team in Round 14 at Suncorp last season.

[Team Changes- The Broncos got Jharal Yow Yeh back for Monday's clash with Newcastle but they lost Justin Hodges to another hamstring strain and he'll miss at least a week if not two. Ben Hannant is named to return on the bench and Ben Te'o is listed in the centres for Hodges. ]

[Team Changes - The Bunnies have named Greg Inglis and Nathan Merritt to return from injuries that kept them out of the North Queensland game and James Roberts and Fetuli Talanoa go back to North Sydney in the NSW Cup. There is a strong chance Roy Asotasi could play this game given it is on Sunday and it gives him one or two more sessions to prove his wrist is up to it. Issac Luke should be okay after that vicious high shot on Friday.]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.Last Word: Brisbane will miss Justin Hodges, but the Bunnies need Merritt and Inglis to play to be any hope. Brisbane have less to play for, so if you need an upset - go the Bunnies.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The chances of Nathan Merritt playing will be determined on Friday - if he passes a fitness test he'll play, otherwise he'll be saved for Round 26 against Newcastle. Greg Inglis should play as will John Sutton (hand), while Roy Asotasi might have to wait til Round 26 as well. Update: Merritt, Sutton and Inglis will be assessed Friday - as will Dave Taylor (Hip), while Asotasi could be a very late inclusion. James Roberts and Fetuli Talanoa are on standby. The Broncos may bring Dale Copley in and shift Ben Te'o back to the bench with David Hala missing out.

The NRL Tweet's Tip...

BRONCOS To Win By 8 Points.

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MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

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7:05pm (Local) 29 August @ Campbelltown Stadium, Campbelltown.

Coming In...

6th TIGERS TEAM RECORD 13-9 for 30 Points, +52.

15th TITANS TEAM RECORD 6-16 for 16 Points, -217.

Head to Head Last 10...

TIGERS 3 TITANS 5 - The Titans have won the past two games at Skilled Park - 20-14 in Round 6 this year, and 21-18 in Round 26 last season.

[Team Changes - The Tigers bring back big guns Gareth Ellis (Groin) and Lote Tuqiri (Quad) from injury with Mitch Brown going to the bench for the relegated Wade McKinnon and Mark Flanagan (NSW Cup). Andrew Fifita is not named in first grade but he is listed to turn out in NSW Cup for Balmain as well. Matt Utai still can't catch but he's named in the centres to accommodate Tuqiri on the wing. Robert Lui suffered a corked thigh against the Eels but should play. ]

[Team Changes - The Titans get Luke Bailey and Clinton Toopi back from injury for this one but lost youngster Dom Peyroux to a broken hand. Greg Bird played with a broken hand and had a blinder. Kayne Lawton could be a late inclusion but is expected back for Round 26. The Titans like the Raiders are struggling to name healthy teams this late in the season. ]

Wednesday Game Preview...

To find out the Panel's tips and why they are tipping them - listen to the Podcast or watch the Tipping Video.Last Word: The Tigers should win this convincingly... do not pick the Titans. I repeat - do not pick the Titans.

Tipping + Fantasy Late Mail...

SMH and Other Late Mail 26/08- The Tigers expect Lote Tuqiri to line up on the wing after overcoming a quad strain. Wade McKinnon will play NSW Cup, as will Andrew Fifita. Bryce Gibbs has a leg gash but it should be fine by Monday. Luke Bailey remains in some doubt with neck soreness and Clinton Toopi likewise with concussion but given the depleted playing stocks of the Titans - expect them to play.